As summer draws to a close and school looms ahead, there’s still time for one final family adventure. Hendersonville, North Carolina, offers the perfect mix of small-town charm, outdoor thrills, and unforgettable treats — all in just three fun-packed days.
Day 1: Explore, Taste, and Take in the Views
Kick off your trip with an early arrival in Downtown Hendersonville. While you may need to wait to check into your hotel, this is prime time to explore Main Street. Stop by Mast General Store to stock up on snacks and retro candies, then grab a sweet bite from McFarlan Bakery, a local favorite for nearly a century. (Just don’t go on a Sunday or Monday—it’s closed!)
For lunch, pick from more than two dozen local eateries: Brook’s Tavern for burgers, Mountain Deli for hearty sandwiches, Thai Spice for flavorful noodles, or Tartans Sports Bar for a Philly cheesesteak.
After lunch, head to Jump Off Rock, a scenic overlook just outside of town. The views are breathtaking, and the trails and boulders provide fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
Check in to Echo Mountain Inn, a cozy mountain retreat with a family-friendly pool and quiet porches for relaxing. Later, visit Grandad’s Apples N Such for apple picking, a corn maze, and must-try treats like apple cider donuts or warm pie.
Wrap up the day with dinner at Binion’s Roadhouse, where kids can toss peanut shells on the floor and everyone can enjoy hearty steaks, addictive fried mushrooms, and warm yeast rolls.
Day 2: Bikes, Falls & Ice Cream Trails
Fuel up with breakfast at the inn, then rent bikes from Epic Cycles and head to DuPont State Forest for some of Western North Carolina’s best beginner-friendly biking trails. Younger riders will love the Kids Loop at Guion Farms, while confident cyclists can hit the Ridgeline Trail. Prefer wheels off the dirt? Try the Riveter’s pump track near town.
After your ride, grab lunch at Hot Dog World, a beloved local institution selling thousands of hot dogs weekly—especially their iconic slaw dog.
Time for dessert? Hendersonville is home to a self-guided Ice Cream Trail! Start your sampling at Karolina Kremes in nearby Etowah, serving hand-dipped scoops, milkshakes, and soft serve.
Cool off next at Looking Glass Falls, one of the area’s most accessible and scenic waterfalls. The short walk from the parking lot leads to refreshing pools perfect for a dip.
After cleaning up at the inn, enjoy a relaxed evening at Sierra Nevada Brewery. While brewery tours have age restrictions, the kids will love the open-air back patio, complete with gardens, a playground, and casual food options. For adults, local brews and wine from Hendersonville’s own AVA region offer the perfect end to the day.
Day 3: Goats, Trails & One Last Sweet Treat
Begin your final day at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The 3.5-mile Big Glassy Mountain Trail rewards hikers with stunning views, and a visit to the goat barn is a must for kids. The home itself, preserved just as the famous poet left it, offers guided tours with advance reservations.
Lunch is nearby at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, where the meats are smoked over hardwoods and the vibe is as comforting as the food.
Before you leave town, stop at McConnell Farms to visit the farm stand and enjoy a scoop of house-made gelato. What began as a traditional crop farm now serves up fruit-filled frozen treats made with produce grown right on site.
Be sure to bring home fresh fruits, veggies, jams, and other goodies—souvenirs that are as delicious as they are memorable.
One Last Hurrah to Remember
Whether your crew loves hiking, biking, waterfalls, animals, or just good food, Hendersonville delivers the ultimate end-of-summer experience. Make the most of these last days of freedom and create memories your family will treasure long after the school bell rings.